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Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Mouth Ulcers : Causes and Treatments

What are mouth ulcers?

A mouth ulcer is a painful sore in the mouth. It appears on the tongue, the lips, and the gums or inside the cheeks. The first sign of the ulcer may be a tingling, burning sensation inside the mouth. They can occur either single or in clusters. They are usually white or yellow in color, surrounded by red halos. Usually they heal within 7 to 10 days.

Coeliac disease (intolerance to a protein called gluten, found in wheat, rye and barley)

Crohn's disease

Reiter's syndrome (urethral discharge followed by conjunctivitis and arthritis)

HIV infection

What are the symptoms?

A round sore or sores inside the mouth

Swollen and red skin around the sores

Tenderness

Problems with chewing or toothbrushing because of the tenderness

Irritation of the sores by salty, spicy or sour foods

Loss of appetite

How are mouth ulcers treated?
Fortunately, most mouth ulcers do not need specific treatment and heal naturally without medication they heal within 7 to 10 days. You can help a mouth ulcer to heal faster by using a soft toothbrush and avoiding hard foods. By keeping mouth clean and healthy.